NOTES for Joh 2:1-12

The story of the wedding in Cana begins by mentioning that the Mother of Jesus was there, and that Jesus Himself and His disciples were also among the guests. From this, and also from the fact that Mary gives instructions during the wedding, one can conclude that this was a celebration of close relatives, where She acted as one of the main organizers with the right to give household instructions. Therefore She told the servants to do whatever Her Son would tell them.

The words Jesus spoke to His Mother sound at first glance like a refusal of the request, but their meaning can also be understood differently: do not worry, everything will be all right. Of course, the meaning of His words is not limited to this; they are much deeper, and much can be read in them about His mission in the world. But it is precisely after these words that Mary passes the authority to Her Son.

Christ is only beginning His preaching. He has not yet been recognized by His relatives, and on this basis some conclude that His Mother did not always understand Him either. But this is not so: She who kept the words about Him in Her heart saw everything much more deeply. It seems that Her words spoken during the wedding, "Do whatever He tells you," refer not only to household concerns.